Ten thousand and ten.

After Master Zhou arrived, Fu Yuzhang’s life became suddenly interesting. Although he now had the task of attending lessons, he did not need to do homework, nor did he have to endure the repetitive questioning that Master Zhou subjected Fu Huai’an to; he was simply there to provide atmosphere.

Fu Yuzhang was a highly qualified atmosphere-setter. Neither Fu Yuan nor Master Zhou had expected him to persist in attending every single day. The happiest of all was Fu Huai’an—his little brother was keeping him company while he studied! Whenever he was stumped by one of Master Zhou’s questions, Fu Huai’an would glance at Fu Yuzhang. Seeing the adoration on his little brother’s face, Fu Huai’an felt he could immediately battle Master Zhou for another three hundred rounds.

He had to study hard! He absolutely could not lose face in front of his brother!

Fu Huai’an, who had originally been content to complete his assignments in a routine manner, suddenly became highly motivated. Upon returning home, he even actively sought extra lessons, beginning to study advanced material ahead of schedule.

Fu Yuzhang, oblivious to all this, happily played his role as a student auditor. Once Master Zhou finished his lecture, he and Fu Huai’an would sit side-by-side, the brothers—with their identical peach-blossom eyes—looking at Master Zhou with the same expectant gaze, waiting eagerly for the master to tell stories.

Master Zhou: *Oh dear, I can’t quite resist this. Little Heir, how did you get led astray by your little brother? You never used to behave like this before!*

Fu Yuzhang would happily hug Fu Huai’an’s arm, declaring, "Children should balance work and play!"

Master Zhou, resigned, could only grant their wishes.

Fu Yuzhang puffed out his chest with pride: *Turning Master Zhou’s occasional anecdotes into a daily, scheduled event—it’s super fun!*

After Fu Yuzhang’s first-birthday banquet, Fu Huai’an was given a new task: practicing calligraphy. Previously, Fu Huai’an had only been three; no matter how much of a prodigy he was, he could not defy the physical limitations of his age. Master Zhou was not a monster to make such a small child practice calligraphy.

Now that Fu Huai’an was a year older, the changes in a child were significant. Furthermore, having inherited the good genes of the Fu family, he was half a head taller than his peers, looking nearly like a five-year-old.

It was midsummer, with green hills and the sound of birds and cicadas. Both Fu Huai’an and Fu Yuzhang were dressed in light, clear-blue short shirts with silver-threaded bamboo patterns, worn over thin, breathable, crane-white undergarments. They wore loose-fitting trousers also embroidered with subtle bamboo patterns, the hems slightly tightened and tucked into milky-white silk socks, and stepped into turquoise satin shoes with upturned toes, decorated with silver-threaded auspicious patterns—elegant and noble.

Since the last time he wore outfits similar to Fu Yuzhang’s, Fu Huai’an had experienced the joy of "brother outfits." For the first time, he made a loud request to Fu Yuan, asking for several more sets of clothes identical to Fu Yuzhang’s. Such a small matter was naturally not refused by Fu Yuan and Xie Yaoniang, who also found it amusing to see the brothers dressed alike.

Fu Yuzhang, always one to push his luck, immediately chimed in, "Father and Mother should have them too!"

Fu Yuan and Xie Yaoniang looked at each other, but eventually agreed. Thus, this attire became the family uniform for the four of them. When they first wore it, the servants in the estate were so shocked they couldn't help but steal extra glances.

When they arrived at the Rongshou Hall, the Old Madam threw a tantrum—why was there no outfit for her? Consequently, the estate’s seamstresses worked through the night to create the same style for her. The Old Madam was very satisfied, sighing as she wore it, "I haven’t worn such bright colors in many years; now that I look, it’s not bad at all."

Fu Yuzhang clapped happily, shouting loudly, "Grandmother, beautiful!"

"You certainly have a sweet mouth." The Old Madam beamed, reaching out to scoop up Fu Yuzhang. She instinctively weighed him in her arms, feeling that he had grown heavier, which pleased her even more, and she handed him a piece of candy.

Fu Yuzhang said solemnly, "I eat sugar, so my mouth is sweet."

This made the Old Madam laugh until she was breathless.

Fu Yuan had originally thought his youngest son’s personality was too flighty and lacking in stability, and had intended to discipline him once he was a bit older. Now, seeing the usually stern Old Madam laughing heartily every day because of Fu Yuzhang, and hearing the laughter filling the house, he decided that his youngest son's disposition was actually quite fine. After all, with his eldest son to uphold the family honor, it didn't matter if the younger one was a bit lively.

Fu Yuzhang took this opportunity to secure several sets of matching family and brother outfits—double the happiness!

Even Master Zhou had to praise Fu Yuzhang’s occasional clever ideas. Just yesterday, he joked to Fu Yuan, who was wearing his moon-white family outfit, "The Marquis’s days are becoming more and more flavorful."

Fu Yuan replied helplessly, "With Zhang’er around, it’s hard to have a dull day." Master Zhou laughed aloud.

Seeing Fu Huai’an and Fu Yuzhang wearing identical clothes again, Master Zhou was no longer surprised, even teasing, "It’s a pity the Marquis is on duty today and cannot wear the same clothes as you."

Fu Yuzhang grinned widely. Fu Huai’an glanced at him, thinking it didn’t matter if their parents weren't wearing them; it was fun enough that he and Zhang’er were in brother outfits. It was proof that their brotherly bond was deep!

***

Fu Huai’an felt a sense of regret, wishing they could attend someone else’s banquet again.

That opportunity soon arrived.

Fu Yuzhang, having happily finished the day’s story, held Fu Huai’an’s hand as they walked back to the main courtyard, taking unsteady steps. Ever since he could walk properly, as long as there was time, he refused to be carried by his wet nurse, insisting on walking himself, regardless of anyone’s advice.

Master Zhou often laughed that Fu Yuan had sired a stubborn child. Fu Yuzhang would pout: *Is that stubborn? This is exercise!*

Fu Huai’an, the good older brother, had infinite patience, following Fu Yuzhang as he took three steps and rested for two, taking nearly half an hour to walk from the west wing to the main courtyard. Fu Huai’an looked perfectly relaxed, but as soon as they returned, Fu Yuzhang climbed onto a stool, grabbed a teacup, and began gulping down water. *So tired!*

Xie Yaoniang was ordering the servants to pack away clothes and shoes that Fu Yuzhang had outgrown. Fu Yuzhang glanced over, his pupils dilating in shock—there were even his old diapers in there! He had never once wet the bed!

Xie Yaoniang said with a helpless expression, "These are all that’s left. The ladies from various households keep coming to ask for them, which is quite a bother."

Fu Yuzhang blinked, taking a moment to process this. He was very surprised. Surely the families who associated with the Marquis’s estate weren't so impoverished that they had to resort to begging for his old clothes, were they?

As Fu Yuzhang pondered this, he heard Jinxiu smile and say, "After the Little Young Master’s first-birthday banquet, every prominent family in the capital knows our estate has produced another prodigy. The ladies are all hoping to catch a bit of the Little Young Master’s good fortune, so they might bear a clever child themselves."

"Prodigies aren't something one can just wish for," Xie Yaoniang said proudly. "This is a blessing from the Heavens. Which family dares claim they are guaranteed such luck?"

A shocked Fu Yuzhang scratched his face and whispered to Fu Huai’an, "Brother’s old clothes?"

Fu Huai’an scratched his head too. "Seems like quite a few have been sent out."

The brothers looked at each other, then down at their identical outfits, and spoke in unison, "These cannot be given away!"

Fu Huai’an happily hugged Fu Yuzhang. "Zhang’er and I truly share a heart!"

Fu Yuzhang chuckled, grabbed a peach blossom pastry to share with Fu Huai’an, and said confidently, "Brothers united!"

Xie Yaoniang added, "The day after tomorrow is the birthday of the Old Matriarch of the Duke of Cheng’en’s estate. She sent an invitation, specifically asking me to bring both of you. If you have time, go pick out your outfits."

Xie Yaoniang understood the brothers' mindset; she knew that the Marquis’s estate was no longer enough for them to show off their brother outfits. Knowing they were going out, they would surely insist on wearing them, so she simply told them to choose their clothes.

Fu Huai’an and Fu Yuzhang were indeed very excited and went hand-in-hand to pick their clothes. They had to have a matching family set this time!

Coincidentally, the seamstresses had just finished a set of snow-green gold-threaded robes with treasure-motif patterns. They were suitable for both men and women, and on Fu Yuan, they didn't look feminine at all, but rather exuded a sense of nobility.

Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huai’an chose them at first sight. It was decided! The day after tomorrow, the four of them would wear these to the banquet. They would surely stun the crowd!

After choosing the clothes, Fu Huai’an secretly gave Fu Yuzhang extra lessons. He had begun the calligraphy tasks assigned by Master Zhou, and after writing each character, he would teach Fu Yuzhang to recognize it.

"Zhang’er, don’t worry if you don’t remember it after one look; you’ll learn it after seeing it a few more times. Diligence can compensate for clumsiness. A slow turtle can travel a thousand miles. When you begin your formal education, you certainly won’t fall behind."

In Fu Huai’an’s heart, it was pitiful that Zhang’er wasn't able to memorize things at a glance. He feared it would take a lot of effort for him to study later, so he could only teach him in secret beforehand to prevent him from suffering later.

Fu Yuzhang didn't think there was anything wrong with this. Having the male lead give him private tutoring—if he didn't cling to this golden thigh now, when would he?

So, the brothers played and learned, their progress remarkably fast. Having had no contact with peers in his past life, Fu Yuzhang didn't know the standard level for a child his age. With a prodigy like Fu Huai’an as his brother, he truly didn't understand the average learning level. He learned whatever Fu Huai’an taught, remembering everything firmly after just a time or two. Fu Huai’an was pleasantly surprised, "Zhang’er, you’re becoming a photographic learner too!"

Fu Yuzhang blinked and scratched his face. *Seems that way. Could it be that since my body is healthier, my memory has improved as well?*

Super happy!

The brothers tacitly kept this a secret from everyone. Fu Yuan and Master Zhou only thought Fu Yuzhang was providing atmosphere while Fu Huai’an did his homework, never imagining that the two of them were plotting something big—secretly working hard to stun them all.

On the day of the Duke of Cheng’en’s Old Matriarch’s birthday, Fu Yuan and Xie Yaoniang indeed wore the snow-green gold-threaded outfits the boys had chosen. The family of four looked perfectly coordinated, attracting countless gazes the moment they arrived at the Duke’s estate.

***

Such clever minds—they looked like a true family!

Fu Yuan and Xie Yaoniang were already outstanding in appearance and captured everyone’s attention upon arrival. Fu Huai’an, the original male lead and the author’s favorite, was naturally breathtaking as well. Even at his young age, his exquisite features left a deep impression. Fu Yuzhang was like a younger, more vivid version of Fu Huai’an, his eyes even more sparkling, making him look exceptionally cute and fair. Combined with the rumors of him being a prodigy, the brothers captured everyone’s hearts—who wouldn't want a cute, handsome, prodigy son?

Pregnant women looked at Fu Yuzhang with longing, wishing they could reach out and hold him to absorb some of the prodigy’s spiritual energy for their own children. Others set their sights on Fu Yuan, thinking they should have their husbands get close to the Marquis of Changping to ask for the secret to bearing such gifted children.

Fu Yuan felt a chill down his back for no reason and reached out to touch Fu Yuzhang’s hand, only feeling at ease when he felt the warmth of the child’s skin.

Fu Yuan led his family to offer birthday greetings to the Old Matriarch Deng. Fu Yuzhang followed Fu Huai’an, performing the bows with great care. Even if he swayed a little, he completed the full set of etiquette without missing a beat, and he even tilted his head to recite the birthday wishes with his brother: "May you live as long as Heaven and Earth, and shine as bright as the Sun and Moon; may you be an immortal of long life in the human world."

The crowd marveled. Truly a prodigy! Even if they had practiced at home, for the younger one to not be stage-frightened and recite the words so gracefully was already extraordinary. The elder one was even more so—he was likely already studying Qu Yuan’s *She Jiang*. They were truly favored by the Heavens.

The Old Matriarch Deng, celebrating her sixty-eighth birthday, loved clever and lively children. She immediately reached out, urging them to rise and calling them to her side. Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huai’an held hands and walked forward, and were each scooped into her arms. Smiling at Fu Yuan and Xie Yaoniang, she said, "It is evident that the Heavens favor the Marquis of Changping’s estate, gifting you with two such clever and snow-fair children. It is truly enviable."

When their children were praised, Xie Yaoniang never felt the need to be humble or belittle them. She replied naturally, "It is our good fortune. I heard that the Emperor and the Empress have bestowed birthday gifts; it shows that the Old Matriarch is virtuous and respected, and that Their Majesties hold you in their hearts. Who can compare to such a blessing as yours, Old Matriarch?"

The Old Matriarch Deng was even more delighted and produced two jade kirin pendants she had prepared, handing them to the boys. The brothers looked at Fu Yuan, and only after he nodded did they respectfully reach out to accept them.

"These two children are so well-raised!" The Old Matriarch almost wished they were her own great-grandsons. She pointed to their outfits and asked Xie Yaoniang, "You are becoming more and more ingenious; I never imagined you could come up with such a style."

"Old Matriarch, you flatter me," Xie Yaoniang said, covering her lips with a smile and gesturing toward Fu Yuzhang. "It was all their idea. The Marquis and I were so pestered that we finally gave in to them."

The crowd was even more amazed, looking at Fu Huai’an and Fu Yuzhang again.

Fu Huai’an was accustomed to the scrutinizing gazes. Worried that his brother might be startled, he gripped Fu Yuzhang’s left hand tightly, mimicking Fu Yuan’s usual poise, standing calmly with a neutral expression as he allowed others to observe them.

Fu Yuzhang followed suit, behaving with equal composure, which left the onlookers marveling even more. *These two brothers will ensure the Marquis of Changping’s estate thrives for at least another few decades.* Those whose own children were failures were filled with envy!

The Old Matriarch’s birthday celebration allowed Fu Huai’an and Fu Yuzhang to have their moment in the spotlight. She loved them so much that she wouldn't let them go, keeping them seated by her side, thoroughly delighted. Other women present envied Xie Yaoniang greatly. The Old Matriarch Deng was the Empress’s own grandmother, who had raised the Empress herself and was deeply respected by the Emperor. For the brothers to be favored by her was a rare glory.

Fu Yuzhang happily listened to a basketful of praise, was fed many honey-preserved fruits, a butter-cream pastry, and a bowl of pear juice—it was blissful. *I can definitely attend more banquets like this in the future. I love it!*

Fu Yuzhang had thought the birthday matters ended when the banquet dispersed. Unexpectedly, ten days later, after Fu Yuan returned from duty, he suddenly instructed Xie Yaoniang, "Take out the clothes we wore to the Old Matriarch’s banquet. Have An’er and Zhang’er wear them tomorrow; the Emperor wishes to see them."

Fu Yuzhang, who was listening in, felt his pupils dilate. *Why am I going to the Imperial Palace?*

Xie Yaoniang was also shocked, asking repeatedly, "What does the Emperor mean by this?"

Fu Yuan placed a hand on Xie Yaoniang’s shoulder and said calmly, "It’s nothing, don’t panic. The Empress summoned the Duke of Cheng’en’s family to the palace a few days ago, and they happened to mention our family’s matching outfits. The Empress took an interest and ordered the Bureau of Palace Attire to make a similar set for her and the Crown Prince. The Emperor happened to overhear, and finding it curious that I had two prodigy sons, he specifically requested to see them."

Xie Yaoniang breathed a sigh of relief but grew worried again. "Zhang’er is so young; what if he offends the Emperor?"

"Do not worry. The Emperor is broad-minded. During the morning court, the Censors often use classical allusions to insult him, yet he does not get angry. Zhang’er is only a year old; even if he behaves inappropriately before the throne, the Emperor will not hold it against him."

Xie Yaoniang remained uneasy, but Fu Yuzhang was already excitedly tugging on Fu Huai’an’s sleeve. *The Imperial Palace, a real-life Emperor—I want to see!*